South Sumatra Police Launch Floating Ambulance for Emergency Medical Access in Waterway Areas
The Water and Air Police Directorate of the South Sumatra Regional Police has transformed the Kapal Pol V-1027 Upang, previously used as a patrol boat, into a Floating Ambulance. This facility reaches emergency medical services to communities living in waterway areas that are difficult to access along the Musi River and its surroundings.
This step was taken in response to the geographical conditions of South Sumatra, where much of the region is dominated by waterways, often hindering access to healthcare facilities due to time and transportation constraints.
Communities in remote areas, such as Upang Village in Banyuasin Regency, have previously faced high risks when needing emergency medical treatment. Through the Floating Ambulance, the Water and Air Police Directorate of Polda Sumsel provides rapid services with an integrated evacuation system.
South Sumatra Police Chief Irjen Sandi Nugroho emphasised that this innovation is a tangible manifestation of the Indonesian National Police’s presence in serving the public.
“We want to ensure that communities in waterway areas also receive quick and proper access to healthcare services. This is a real form of the state’s presence,” said Sandi in his statement on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
The Floating Ambulance is equipped with a patient room, emergency stretcher, basic medical equipment, oxygen, and a communication system for direct coordination with destination healthcare facilities. Water and Air Police personnel are on standby 24 hours to ensure quick responses to every emergency report.
The evacuation process begins with picking up the patient from the dock, then transporting them by boat to a referral hospital in Palembang, with an estimated travel time of about one hour. Several cases have been successfully handled through this innovation, from emergency childbirth evacuations and sudden health disruptions to children requiring intensive care.
In addition, the Floating Ambulance is also used for other humanitarian handling, including evacuating deceased residents from remote areas. Dir Polairud Polda Sumsel Kombes Heru Agung Nugroho stated that the police function is continually evolving not only in law enforcement but also in humanitarian services.
“We are optimising our patrol boats to assist the community. This is part of the transformation of Indonesian National Police services,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of Polda Sumsel Kombes Nandang Mu’min Wijaya added that this innovation is a real implementation of the Polri Presisi programme.
“Polda Sumsel is committed to continuing to deliver services that are directly felt by the community, including in remote areas,” he revealed.
In the future, Polda Sumsel, together with related agencies, is also preparing developments in services in the form of a Floating Clinic that will reach more villages in waterway areas. Currently, the Floating Ambulance has had a significant impact in improving access to healthcare services and strengthening public trust in the presence of the Indonesian National Police.
Polda South Sumatra reaffirms its commitment to continue innovating in public services and ensuring that all communities, including in remote areas, receive optimal protection and services.